How does a US president settle on his science policy?

President-elect Trump has made clear he intends to boost the economy's growth rate, support science

One of the president’s most important responsibilities is fostering science, technology and innovation in the US economy. The relationship between science and policy runs in two directions: Scientific knowledge can inform policy decisions, and conversely, policies affect the course of science, technology and innovation.

Historically, government spending on science has been good for the economy. Innovation is estimated to drive approximately 85 per cent of economic growth. Not only does it provide a means for “creative destruction” within the economy, it also results in reduced costs for products and services that consumers demand. The United